Influence of Chinese politics and culture on decision making Available to Purchase

Rapid urbanisation in China, with its own distinct geographical and cultural characteristics, has attracted worldwide attention. Such characteristics can be seen in the political institutions, cultural underpinnings, material conditions and development, in which China clearly differs from the west. This paper focuses on the influence of traditional Chinese political culture on urban planning decision making that has shaped China's urbanisation process – a process in which can be seen such Confucian influences as tianxia (kingdom), power centralisation, official prioritism, guanxi (interpersonal relationships) and society's subordination to the state. These politico-cultural traditions have continued to exert their influence on decision-makers and participants alike in the urban planning circle in China.